[Complete removable denture retained by symphyseal implant].

INTRODUCTION

Edentulous patients often hope for stable and retentive prostheses. In very unfavorable anatomophysiological circumstances, the implant-retained removable full denture is a simple and reliable option that considerably optimizes the prosthetic balance. We present the case of one of those patients taken in charge in our department.

OBSERVATION

A full edentulous 82 years old male patient was referred for a prosthetic rehabilitation. He presented with a negative mandibular crest and a very tonic peri-prosthetic musculature in the anterior region. He refused a bone augmentation surgery; we performed a piezographic mandibular prosthesis retained by a single symphyseal implant in a lingual position. The denture was stable and retentive. Comfort and masticatory efficiency were satisfactory and the psychological integration of the prosthesis was improved.

DISCUSSION

Several studies focusing on octogenarian patients concluded that a complete removable denture retained by a single symphyseal implant is a simple, efficient and cost-effective option. Studies including more patients are needed.